Canyon: Linville Gorge Loop, NC

Few people look for mind-blowing canyon hiking in the East. Their loss is your gain. Enjoy sweeping peregrine-eye views (and perhaps see one) over Pisgah National Forest’s rolling green hills, thunderous waterfalls, and quiet campsites on this 22-mile loop. Start by ridgewalking the gorge’s eastern rim before plunging down to the Linville River, with intermediate routefinding, several stream crossings, and a challenging 1,800-foot ascent.